Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is facing significant challenges in providing effective governance, especially in border areas. There have been concerns about Bangladesh’s territorial integrity, especially with the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The situation has led to cross-border incidents, raising questions about border security and territorial sovereignty.
The Arakan Army (AA) has claimed control over the strategic town of Maungdaw in Myanmar, which lies along the border with Bangladesh. This marks a significant advance in their bid for self-rule in the Rakhine state. The Arakan Army has also accused jihadi groups operating from Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh of committing atrocities along the border.
The situation is quite tense, with the AA alleging that Bangladesh’s interim government has tolerated and ignored the presence of these militant groups. This has led to increased security measures and restrictions on movement across the Naf River, which separates Myanmar from Bangladesh. Locals and Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar are in fear amid reports of the Arakan Army’s takeover of the Rakhine State and full control of the 270km Myanmar border with Bangladesh. Due to security concerns, Teknaf upazila administration has imposed restrictions on traffic on the Naf.
Boats that carry people and supplies between Teknaf and St Martin’s Island are not operating. According to M Humayun Kabir, president of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) and a former ambassador, the internal conflict in Myanmar that has now come to Bangladesh’s border. In recent times, some bullets and shells from across the Myanmar border landed on Bangladesh. Speaking to the Daily Star he said, “ In the last two or three weeks, we have been having some difficulty also in the southeastern border areas, particularly around Cox’s Bazar. We have seen St Martin’s Island coming under fire from the Myanmar side as well.”
According to local fishermen from the Nayapara and Sanrang villages, the sound of bombing and shelling has been coming from across the Naf river in Myanmar and the Arakan Army detained several fishermen from the Naf estuary.
There has been firing on Bangladeshi boats from the Myanmar side, which makes the Bangladeshi population living near the Myanmar border vulnerable. This also hampers communication between the mainland and St Martin’s Island. The very same St. Martin’s which former PM Hasina always strove to secure from foreign interference.
Currently, under Yunus’s government, there has been no regular traffic between mainland Bangladesh and the island of St. Martin’s. There is speculation about the island coming under threat from the Myanmar side, raising questions about Bangladesh’s territorial integrity.
If the Rakhine state, which is the connecting point between Myanmar and Bangladesh, goes under the Arakan Army’s control, it is highly unlikely that the Yunus government will be able to secure Bangladesh’s border area. The Arakan Army has already taken control of Maungdaw town in Rakhine State, which is near the Teknaf border. The conflict has caused fear and uncertainty among the local Bangladeshi population.
The instability has disrupted trade and economic activities in the region. The movement of goods and people between Teknaf and Myanmar has been restricted, affecting livelihoods and local businesses.
Meanwhile December 16 ‘Victory Day,’ which marks the surrender of the Pakistani Army in 1971, aided by Indian forces who stood alongside Bangladesh’s freedom fighters, was barely acknowledged by Mohammed Yunus. In his 54th Victory Day speech did not even mention Pakistan’s atrocities on erstwhile East Pakistan, rather criticized the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, calling it the “world’s worst autocratic government.” Notably Yunus did not even mention founding leader Bongabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Even the customary Victory Day Parades were not held. This implication marks a shift in attitude of the Bangladeshi dispensation towards their former Pakistani rulers. The absence of Mujibur Rahman’s name in speeches has led to criticism and accusations of legacy erasure.
In the past, the day was celebrated with congratulatory messages and gatherings that served as reminders of the historical camaraderie and sustained cooperative ties between Bangladesh and India. But this year, a mere courtesy meeting was held at the Akhaura-Agartala Integrated Check Post.
In what marked a new low in the new Bangladeshi dispensation’s attitude towards India, were the comments of Law Adviser Asif Nazrul’s comments on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory Victory Day message. Asif Nazrul wrote in a post on his verified Facebook account, “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was Bangladesh’s Victory Day. India was only an ally in this victory, nothing more than that.”
Spewing venom, Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the anti-discrimination student movement, wrote in a post on his verified Facebook account, “Our struggle against this threat from India is inevitable. We must continue this struggle.”
Further, Bangladesh’s treatment of minorities suggests an unwillingness from the interim government to foster amicable ties with New Delhi. Despite the interim government’s marked belligerent attitude towards India, New Delhi has decided to encourage stability so that Bangladesh is able to overcome internal challenges. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri took the crucial step of visiting Bangladesh for the sake of diplomatic progress and engagement.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing political and economic turmoil, which has strained the government’s resources and capabilities. For now the ineffectiveness of Yunus’s government is out in the open, a government that is unable to grapple with the complex and multifaceted problems facing the country. (Foreign Media)
